Take the Spine Health Quiz

Back pain is one of the most common nerve-related illnesses in the United States. Keeping your spine in good health is one way to avoid back pain. Learn more about your spine and back pain by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

1. How many doctor's visits each year are because of back problems?

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Eight in 10 people will have back pain sometime in their life.

A. 5 millionB. 12 millionC. 20 millionD. 22 million

2. The spinal cord is an extension of what?

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The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system (the brain is the other part). The spine or spinal column is made up of bones called vertebrae that are separated and cushioned by disks of cartilage. The vertebrae also are covered by cartilage and are held in place by ligaments and muscles, which keep the spine stable. The spinal cord runs within the spine. Spinal nerves branch off from the cord and emerge through the spaces between the vertebrae. These nerves connect with nerves throughout the body. The spinal cord is also protected by the meninges, a three-layer membrane that also encases the brain. Spinal fluid flows around the spinal cord inside the meninges.

A. The pelvisB. The legsC. The brainD. The arms

3. One of the most common back injuries is a slipped, or herniated, disk. What does this mean?

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Disks are made of tough, elastic tissue. They are found between each of the vertebrae of the spine. The elastic tissue acts as a shock absorber for the vertebrae.

A. A spinal disk has moved down the spineB. A spinal disk has twistedC. Disk material has bulged into the spinal canalD. None of the above

4. What causes a slipped disk?

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The most common cause of a slipped disk is aging. The elastic tissue of the disk breaks down and weakens with age. The ligaments holding the disk in place also weaken as you grow older. Some people are more prone to having a slipped disk, so a sudden twisting or sudden strain on the back may result in one.

A. A strain on the backB. AgeC. Sudden twisting movementD. All of the above

5. A sprain or strain of the ligaments and muscles in the back is one of the most common causes of back pain. How can a sprain or strain occur?

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Back strains and sprains that occur when exercising may be caused by weightlifting, turning quickly when dribbling a basketball, or swinging a bat or golf club. Back injuries occur more often when a person isn't in good physical shape and his or her back muscles are weak. Other causes of back sprain or strain include poor posture, obesity, and fatigue.

A. Lifting a heavy objectB. ExercisingC. In a fall or vehicular accidentD. All of the above

6. Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal. This is associated with aging, as the disks become drier and start to shrink. Where does pain from spinal stenosis usually occur?

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Spinal stenosis also can cause sciatic pain, running from the lower back down the back of one leg. An older person with degenerative osteoarthritis often has spinal stenosis. It also can be caused by infection or birth defects.

A. Upper backB. LegsC. Lower backD. B and C

7. What happens when osteoarthritis occurs in the spine?

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When osteoarthritis occurs in the spine, the cartilage deteriorates and the space between the vertebrae decreases. The spinal nerves can become pinched, causing pain. As the condition worsens, the person may feel numbness, weakness in the back, muscle spasms, and stiffness.

A. It damages the cartilageB. It damages the joints in the spineC. A and BD. None of the above

8. What can be done to prevent back pain?

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Also important, according to the NINDS: Don't slouch while sitting or standing, don't stand or work in any one position for a long time; don't smoke; sleep on your side with your knees drawn up; and try to reduce stress in your life that causes muscle tension.

A. Maintain a healthy weightB. Exercise regularlyC. Lift objects while bending at the knees, not the waistD. All of the above

9. Spondylolysis can cause back pain in young athletes. What is it?

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The fracture usually occurs in the fourth or fifth lumbar vertebra of the lower back. A similar condition, called spondylolisthesis, is a stress fracture caused by degenerative disk disease in women older than 40.

A. A virus that attacks the back musclesB. A stress fracture in a vertebraC. Curvature of the spineD. None of the above